What a Barack Obama Presidency Means to African Americans

Having a black president in office will make several important differences in the lives’ of African Americans. First, it gives many mothers and fathers across the country an opportunity to tell their children that the Sky IS The Limit when it comes to progress. In the past, the majority of blacks in America imagined a glass ceiling against black advancement. This ceiling was presented throughout the lives of young black children. They learned shadows of inferiority from parents, teachers, and other sources within society. As a result, many black parents couldn’t encourage their children that they could express themselves fully in a white society. There was always a limit as to how far an African American could go. Teachers also accepted and expressed the idea of lower standards toward young black children. Many were lead to believe that African Americans were slow learners and unable to achieve excellence in an academic environment. In society, images of disgrace and inferiority regarding the black struggles in sixties were flashed across television time and time again. These stimuli helped minimize the self esteem of African American everywhere. And although blacks have achieved many milestones since the sixties, the election of Barak Obama as the nation’s first black president makes most all African Americans proud. Black children can be taught without hesitation that they can obtain their personal best without limitation in all endeavors.

Second, an Obama presidency also challenges the negative stereotypes of black people. Negative images of black people have been promoted by the media for years. Images of laziness, anger, drugs, and violence have been pushed to the forefront regarding black identity. Just a few of years ago, no one ever thought that a black man could become the most powerful figure of the free world. No one ever thought Obama’s run for the presidency would end in victory. Many African Americans were also doubtful. But the illusion has been broken and the spirit of enterprise has been born in the consciousness of not only African American, but all kinds of minority. In this country and all across the world, people saw a new birth of freedom in America. Black children can succeed if given the right opportunities and direction in any area the heart desires. Not only African American children, but all children whether they’re Indians, Hispanics, Asians or any other minority or race not considered white Anglo Saxon male. The Obama initiative gives hope to many minority parents who always came short of telling their children this simply phrase: “You can be anything you desire.”